Revision Session Notes

Introduction

• Welcome by Hassan Busan.
• Focus on revision before exams (2-3 days left).
• Topics covered:
  • Top 25 important topics.
  • Review of case studies from the last three weeks.
  • Exam techniques and Q&A session.

Key Topics to Cover

Important Models

1. External Environment
   • Types: Country Environment (Macro) and Industry Environment (Micro).
   • Models: PESTEL for macro; Porter’s Five Forces for micro.
2. Understanding Models:
   • PESTEL: Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Ecological, Legal.
     • Importance of identifying whether factors are favorable or unfavorable.
   • Porter’s Five Forces:
     • Bargaining Power of Buyers/Suppliers, Threat of New Entrants, Competitive Rivalry, Threat of Substitutes.
3. Strategic Position Analysis:
   • Involves analysis of external and internal environments.
4. SFA Framework:
   • Suitability, Feasibility, Acceptability when considering acquisitions.
5. SWOT and TOWS:
   • Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats.
   • Use TOWS for strategic options based on SWOT analysis.
6. Corporate Parenting:
   • Overview of a parent company managing multiple subsidiaries.
7. Financial Ratios:
   • Important ratios include GP margin, NP margin, current asset ratio, etc.
8. Project Management:
   • Key components: Quality, Timeline, Cost.
   • Importance of the Project Initiation Document (PID).
9. Risk Management:
   • Risk strategies: Acceptance, Avoidance, Reduction, Transference (TARA model).
10. Corporate Governance:
    • Importance of boards, committees (audit, risk), roles of NEDs.

Exam Techniques

• Focus on time management and avoid time traps.
• Answer based on the exhibits and common sense.
• Familiarize with different report formats.

Case Study Review

Key Elements from Previous Papers

1. Cofoul Construction:
   • Analyze financial and non-financial issues for a project.
2. Highlight Hotel:
   • Discuss factors of success; evaluate acquisition proposals.
3. Smartwear:
   • Analyze competitive advantage; evaluate internal controls.
4. NCCP:
   • Assess stakeholder impacts and risk management processes.
5. Optima:
   • Discuss benefits of customer segmentation and CSR.

Important Points to Remember

• Professional Skills: Evaluation and analysis are crucial.
• Non-Financial Performance: Include metrics like revenue per employee, customer satisfaction, and employee turnover.
• Cybersecurity Importance: Understand the implications and recommendations for protecting data.

Final Tips

• Consolidate knowledge from top models and case studies.
• Focus on understanding the application of theories rather than memorizing.
• Prepare in a relaxed state, using smart work strategies.
• Engage in prayers or mindfulness to alleviate exam stress.

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Note:

• This document serves as a quick recap of significant topics and strategies discussed in the revision session. Review these notes frequently leading up to the exam.